Safety Health & Well-being Senior Business Partner - Interislander

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KiwiRail is looking for a Senior Safety Health & Well-being Business Partner for Interislander to lead SHW initiatives, partner with leaders and frontline teams, and embed the SHW Strategy and Toitū Te Mauri across a complex maritime operation. Based in Wellington or Picton with site travel, you’ll drive risk management, incident investigations and improving safety culture while coaching leaders in FELT Leadership. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in generalist SHW and frontline environments, strong coaching and data‑driven problem solving, a NZ driver license, and NEBOSH or equivalent. To apply, tailor your CV and cover letter to show strategic impact, cross‑functional influence and safety outcomes, attach the position description, and confirm eligibility for NZ work and pre‑employment checks.

Safety Health & Well-being Senior Business Partner – Interislander

• Lead safety, health and wellbeing initiatives across KiwiRail’s iconic Interislander operation
• Influence leaders, strengthen safety culture and support critical risk management across a complex operational environment
• Wellington or Picton Based, travel to operational sites as required

Position Description

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

At KiwiRail, safety is at the heart of everything we do. As the Senior Safety, Health & Well-being Business Partner – Interislander, you will play a critical leadership role supporting our Interislander business to build, maintain and continuously improve a strong safety culture.

Reporting to the SHW Manager Freight Ops, ILL & Customer, you will partner closely with operational leaders, frontline teams, union representatives and safety committees to provide expert guidance, coaching and support across all aspects of Safety, Health & Well-being (SHW).

You will help embed KiwiRail's SHW Strategy, Critical Risk Management framework and Toitū Te Mauri programme while influencing leaders to create safer, healthier workplaces across our maritime and operational environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SHW professional who enjoys working in complex operational environments and is passionate about developing safety capability, improving performance and driving meaningful organisational change.

Ngā kawenga matua | Key accountabilities include:

• Partnering with operational leaders to implement KiwiRail's Safety, Health & Well-being Strategy
• Providing coaching, guidance and support to leaders and teams to strengthen safety culture and capability
• Facilitating critical risk management activities, risk assessments and control verification processes
• Supporting the implementation and continuous improvement of the SHE Management System
• Leading and facilitating safety, health and wellbeing initiatives across the Interislander portfolio
• Supporting incident management, investigations, root cause analysis and corrective action planning
• Developing insights from performance data and advising leaders on improvement opportunities
• Coaching leaders in FELT Leadership practices and Toitū Te Mauri safety programmes
• Supporting emergency management planning, risk registers and site safety requirements
• Collaborating with technical specialists and operational teams to deliver continuous improvement programmes
• Building strong relationships with leaders, frontline teams, unions, contractors and key stakeholders
• Driving positive reporting cultures and influencing behavioural and cultural change initiatives

Ngā pūmanawa ka kawea mai e koe | What you will bring

• 5+ years' experience in a generalist Safety, Health & Well-being role
• 5+ years' experience working in operational or frontline environments
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and implementing strategic or large-scale change initiatives
• Strong technical knowledge across safety, health and wellbeing disciplines
• Experience working within large, complex and operationally focused organisations
• Demonstrated coaching, facilitation and influencing skills
• Strong investigation, risk management and critical thinking capability
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and presentation skills
• The ability to build trusted relationships at all levels of an organisation
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting performance and risk data
• A collaborative, resilient and solutions-focused approach
• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence
• A recognised Safety, Health & Well-being qualification (minimum NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent)

Ngā hua māu | What's in it for you

• Competitive salary package
• KiwiSaver employer contributions of 4% paid in addition to your base salary
• Five weeks annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Travel privileges on Great Journeys New Zealand and Interislander services for eligible employees and their families
• Membership of the New Zealand Railways Staff Welfare Trust, including access to subsidised holiday homes throughout New Zealand
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and immediate family members
• Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities
• The opportunity to contribute to one of New Zealand's most recognisable transport and infrastructure organisations
• A role where you can genuinely influence safety outcomes and make a difference for our people, customers and communities

Kua rite koe ki te whai pānga? | Ready to make a difference?

If you're a passionate Safety, Health & Well-being professional who thrives on partnering with leaders, influencing culture and driving meaningful improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Join KiwiRail and help create safer workplaces, stronger teams and better outcomes for our people, customers and communities.

Applications close: 6th August 2026

Applicants must hold the right to work in New Zealand. Appointment to this position is subject to Ministry of Justice checks, pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and satisfactory pre-employment screening requirements.

KiwiRail is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences because together we are stronger.